Come along on what should be the most telling year of my life as I explore new outlets, new places, new people, and ultimately find my way to accomplishing my dreams.

Menu

Tag Archives: pointe

“Dream on it. Let your mind take you to places you would like to go, and then think about it and plan it and celebrate the possibilities. And don’t listen to anyone who doesn’t know how to dream.” – Liza Minnelli

Well, it has been exactly one week since I arrived back on the east coast 🙂 The week was full of unpacking, going through my room from when I was child, redecorating, seeing my family and friends, and most importantly, training and dancing.

I decided it would be a good idea to take the summer intensive of my teacher, Fabrice Herrault. It is a two week intensive of ballet technique and variations. The timing was right and we all need a little tune up every once in a while right? Wow, sore doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt after the first day. After being in a professional company for a while, I am not used to such intense classes. Professional dancers sometimes fall into a bad pattern of taking class just to warm up and get on with their day. I believe class should also be a time to maintain your technique, push yourself, and get stronger. However, when the classes aren’t necessarily of the greatest quality, that becomes difficult. Which is why these two weeks are perfect. It is back to the basics for me. Trying to perfect the so called “easy” stuff, which is proving to be very difficult. Also, it gives me a chance to work on a few different classical variations and improve artistry, technique, strength, and endurance all at the same time. This experience has forced me to work on certain things that aren’t necessarily my strengths…for example hops on pointe. I was given 2 variations that included hops on pointe and there was no avoiding it. Sometimes we need to be pushed outside our comfort zones. Dancers often get in a habit of practicing only what they are good at, but I think it is very beneficial to also practice what you are not good at. Doing this will allow you to be prepared for anything that may come your way. Right now, I need that, I need to be prepared for any opportunity that may come my way.